New endangered species: Edinburgh Zoo chiefs

ONE of Scotland's leading visitor attractions is in crisis after it emerged that another senior manager at the Royal Zoological Society for Scotland (RZSS) has been suspended and another has left his post.

The departure comes just weeks after the suspension of Gary Wilson, interim chief operating officer of RZSS, following "serious" anonymous allegations - and means that more than half of the senior management board of Edinburgh Zoo are no longer active in their roles.

One member of the management board - thought to be Iain Valentine, the man behind the key deal to bring two giant pandas to the attraction - has been suspended pending an investigation into "matters of a very serious nature". A second, believed to be director of development Anthony McReavy, has also left his position at RZSS, which owns the zoo.

Mr Wilson was suspended from his role in March. The investigation, which the zoo says does not involve the police, relates to money syphoned from the 4.5 million Budongo Trail monkey house, it has been claimed.

A spokeswoman for the organisation, which has suffered months of financial turmoil as a result of the economic downturn, refused to confirm or deny that Mr Valentine or Mr McReavy were the staff members referred to in the statement, but admitted that the pair had taken over the running of the zoo in Mr Wilson's absence.

A source at the zoo said: "Iain Valentine is one of the most respected people in the zoological community world-wide. Because of his experience and contacts he is actually the person who has been negotiating with the Chinese government to bring the pandas to the zoo. Gary Wilson has received all the positive publicity about this, but he was not someone who operated at an international level." He added: "Donald Emslie, chairman of the trustees of RZSS, came back from his skiing holiday in Austria and marched Anthony McReavy out the door."

A statement issued by Mr Emslie confirmed that the investigation into allegations against Mr Wilson was near to completion.

The insider added that Mr Wilson's name had been re-instated on the staff email list, prompting speculation that his return was imminent.

The crisis comes as the zoo, which recently made 16 staff redundant, awaits the arrival of two giant pandas from China which, it is hoped, will boost falling visitor numbers.

In a statement released yesterday, chairman Mr Emslie said: "The RZSS board-level investigation, with independent support, into anonymous, serious allegations made against Gary Wilson is now close to an end.

We hope to make an announcement on this shortly.

"During the course of these investigations, the RZSS discovered matters of a very serious nature which require to be investigated further.

"One member of staff has today left their position with the society. Another member of staff has been suspended pending an investigation. I should make it clear that the police are not involved."He added: "As board members and trustees, we have a clear stewardship responsibility towards the society, its staff, its members and to all those who support the society and we had therefore no alternative but to take this action. Legal reasons prevent me from going into any detail. While there are many challenges ahead of us, the society has the benefit of experienced, committed and hard-working staff. We will shortly be welcoming an experienced interim chief executive to help take us forward over the next stage of our development.

"In the meantime, I will continue to act as executive chair and will work closely with senior staff over the next few weeks until the CEO is in place. In this role I remain closely supported by the board."

A spokesman for the Scotland Office said: "On the issue of the suspension, that is a matter for the zoo. The agreement to bring the pandas to Scotland was an agreement signed by the UK and Chinese governments, and work on the arrangements to bring pandas to the zoo continues."

ZOO'S LEADING PLAYERS

• Gary Wilson, director of business operations and acting chief executive - suspended from his post last month. Had been responsible for all property development and maintenance activities and managed the Highland Wildlife Park.

• Iain Valentine, director of animals, education and conservation - suspended yesterday. Responsible for animal welfare, research and conservation at both the zoo and Highland Wildlife Park.

Mr Valentine is highly-respected by the international zoological community and regarded as responsible for securing an agreement with the Chinese government to bring two giant pandas to Edinburgh Zoo.

• Anthony McReavy, director of development - left his post yesterday. Responsible for fundraising, business development, membership and sponsorship.

• James Stewart, director of resources - still in post. Mr Stewart has been running the zoo along with Mr Valentine and Mr McReavy following the suspension of Mr Wilson.

• Grant Law, interim director of marketing - still in post. Responsible for overseeing marketing, external communications, public relations, publications and graphics.